State Rate Comparison

North Carolina vs South Carolina

Electricity Rates Comparison

Data from U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · November 2025

Residential Rate
NC14.64¢/kWh
SC15.53¢/kWh
North Carolina is 0.89¢/kWh cheaper
Avg Monthly Bill
NC$148.64
SC$163.13
North Carolina saves $14.49/month
Avg Monthly Usage
NC1,015 kWh
SC1,050 kWh
Difference: 35 kWh/month

Detailed Rate Comparison

North Carolina
RegulatedSouthRate Rank: #34/51
Residential14.64¢/kWh
Commercial10.74¢/kWh
Industrial7.91¢/kWh
Avg Monthly Bill$148.64
Avg Monthly Usage1,015 kWh
Bill Rank (highest)#27/51
Prior Year Rate13.51¢/kWh
YoY Change1.1¢
South Carolina
RegulatedSouthRate Rank: #31/51
Residential15.53¢/kWh
Commercial11.53¢/kWh
Industrial7.62¢/kWh
Avg Monthly Bill$163.13
Avg Monthly Usage1,050 kWh
Bill Rank (highest)#15/51
Prior Year Rate13.95¢/kWh
YoY Change1.6¢

Compared to National Average

MetricNorth CarolinaSouth CarolinaNational Avg
Residential Rate (¢/kWh)14.64¢15.53¢17.24¢
Commercial Rate (¢/kWh)10.74¢11.53¢
Industrial Rate (¢/kWh)7.91¢7.62¢
Avg Monthly Bill$148.64$163.13$152.02
Avg Monthly Usage (kWh)1,0151,050
Market Typeregulatedregulated

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state has cheaper electricity, North Carolina or South Carolina?

North Carolina has a lower residential electricity rate at 14.64¢/kWh compared to South Carolina's 15.53¢/kWh — a difference of 0.89¢/kWh (5.7%).

What is the average monthly electric bill in North Carolina vs South Carolina?

The average monthly electric bill in North Carolina is $148.64 (1015 kWh/month), while in South Carolina it is $163.13 (1050 kWh/month). The national average is $152.02.

Is North Carolina or South Carolina electricity market regulated or deregulated?

North Carolina has a regulated electricity market, while South Carolina has a regulated market.

How do North Carolina and South Carolina electricity rates compare to the national average?

The national average residential rate is 17.24¢/kWh. North Carolina is below the national average at 14.64¢/kWh, and South Carolina is below the national average at 15.53¢/kWh.

Wondering if your bill is accurate?

Whether you're in North Carolina or South Carolina, Utility Check can verify your electricity bill for billing errors and rate accuracy.